Fall Activities in the South
See the leaves change
The leaves in October put on a spectacular show of yellow, orange, magenta, and red. Take an especially scenic route through West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi.
See the Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. See breathtaking views of some of the oldest mountains in the world. Hike, horseback ride, see tons of waterfalls, and keep your eyes out for black bears!
Go to a fall festival
Experience regional music and art, dancing, food, and community spirit at a fall festival. At PumpkinFest in Franklin, North Carolina, you can watch (or compete in!) a pumpkin pie-eating contest.
Explore Mammoth Cave
They don’t call it “Mammoth” Cave for nothing. (Mammoth means bigger than big.) Explorers have charted 400 miles underground so far, making this Kentucky cave system the largest in the world. Enjoy trails above ground and below at this national park.
Go apple picking
Under a blue sky in golden fall sunlight, pluck an apple from a tree and crunch right into it – sweet, sour, and delicious. Find a pick-your-own apple orchard near you.
Celebrate Halloween
Get in the spirit of Halloween (Oct. 31)! In Kentucky, you can go on ghost tours, or search for the Hillbilly Beast. In Georgia, there’s a historic ghost tour.
Eat apple pie
Apple pie is always a treat, but it’s best when the apples are in season. Watch this video to see how this iconic American dessert is made. Try making one yourself, or order a slice from a restaurant or bakery. If anyone asks, go for it à la mode (that’s with ice cream on top).
Honor service members on Veterans Day
November 11 is observed annually as Veterans Day, honoring all of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Pay your respects by attending a Veterans Day parade; find locations here.
Go to a football game
College football is hugely popular in the South. See games played by Virginia Tech, the University of South Carolina, the University of Georgia, the University of Tennessee, or the University of Alabama. Get tickets to a live game if you can, or head to a local sports bar where fans watch the games on TV.
Give thanks on Thanksgiving
On November 26, gather with friends at a home or restaurant, express your thanks for what’s good in life, and eat a fabulous meal together. The traditional American Thanksgiving feast includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and pumpkin pie. Make reservations at a restaurant near you at Open Table.
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